Cover letters: Are they a thing of the past, or a secret weapon in today’s job hunt? Ask ten recruiters, hiring managers, or career coaches, and you’ll hear everything from “mandatory” to “meh.” Yes, investing two hours perfecting a letter that might never be opened can feel like sending a paper airplane into a tornado —but if the right eyes land on it, that single page can catapult you ahead of the pack. Ready to make yours count? Here’s how:
–When in doubt, follow the instructions. If the job posting indicates you should send a cover letter with your resume, send one.
–No room for copy and paste. Don’t send the same cover letter to every job posting. Each cover letter should be customized to the job posting.
–Draft first, AI second. Employers can usually tell when a cover letter has been AI-generated. Write your first draft, then upload it to ChatGPT for suggestions.
–Match their vibe. If the employer has a more relaxed or a more professional culture, use that tone in your cover letter.
–Name drop. Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name. If their name is not included in the job posting, call the employer’s HR department to ask to whom the letter should be addressed. If unable to get the name, you can address your letter to “Dear Hiring Manager”.
–Proofread like a pro. Ensure your cover letter is free of misspelled words, typos, and grammatical errors.
–Keep it brief! Write 3 short paragraphs to make it easy to skim.
· First paragraph – why are you contacting them? What’s the job title and location in which you are interested? How did you learn about the position?
· Second paragraph – what did the job posting say about responsibilities? Mention one key success they would love to know about in relation to the job posted.
· Third paragraph – end with a confident call to action (“I look forward to hearing from you” and “I can be contacted at xxx-xxx-xxxx”) while expressing enthusiasm about the role.
A well-crafted cover letter is your chance to whisper “I’m exactly what you need” before the employer even looks at your resume. When you tailor each cover letter, mirror the company’s vibe, and back up their wish list with one shining example of your success, you turn a mere formality into a strategic advantage. Proofread, personalize, and press send with confidence—because that extra few minutes could be what nudges your name straight onto the interview shortlist.
Shelley Maley, PHR, CCSP
Dreamcatcher Career Coaching, LLC
www.dreamcatchercareercoaching.com
(610) 663-0585
Communications Chairperson – Pennsylvania Career Development Association (PACDA)
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